Well, it's getting to where my truck is having problems that require scan tools... I really don't feel like paying the dealer to do it for me either. I could count on $85 to $160 just in diagnostics. And to have them diagnose without trying parts would be pointless. So, I think I want to start learning this stuff myself. I've learned so much about my truck this far... why stop?

I've heard AutoEnginuity is supposed to be pretty hot, but what are some other good, well-known programs? How about open-source... any free programs? I'm sure this has been discussed before, but I'm looking for recent info on this. So... POST UP!!!

 

The idea of open source programs is nice, but then what would you do for a connector? How many electronics stores have you been to that offer an OBDII to USB cable connector? I've got the domestic package and they sent me 2 different connectors just to handle the big 3.

Personally I have no problem with someone making a profit off of something they know how to do. If AE can round up the parts, do the programming, and make it all work, then I have no problem paying them for their product.

Now that I've had my rant, also look into a Scangauge (the round one from Aeroforce not the rectangle box), or try and find a used Edge, Diablo, or Superchip programmer that can read codes. The scangauge can read some live data and run a couple of tests, but I still like the AE better.

 

Well, I can get basic codes with my superchips tuner, but I'm looking for live data... as much as I can get. I want to be able to read as close to as much as the dealer can so I can get this thing straight before I go to OH in September.

 

Well the scangauge can only read some live date. The other scanners from Snap on etc. tend to cost a whole bunch more than AE. The reason AE is so popular here is it offers the most bang for the buck. Most of us are not professional mechanics, so if there was some other way to get all the same data for less money, we'd all be talking about that instead of AE.

 

So an expensive scanner from snapon will read that kinda data?

 

Yes some of the Snap On one do IIRC, Honestly Jon an AE is going to give you all that you need and then some for the price, In addition most people here have AE so if you have questions about it there is a lot of help to be had.

 

I'm tempted to go with AE just because of the hype on here... I haven't gone wrong with y'all's hype yet!

 

I like to save $$ when i can, When I was in your shoes I looked all over the place for something better or cheaper, Jon I even called a couple of the Tech Support lines for other products. Non of them even read the codes never mind live data logging. On another note Bfife was a snap on dealer.... He uses AE........................

 

AEs got my vote


The Truck

 

If you buy the AE do you have to buy the Ford application to go with the basic reader?

 

Riffraff Diesel: Total Ford Enhanced Bundle

Comes with the Ford Bundle

 

That looks good, except for the lower 48 free shipping.

 

A/E all the way the best i have ever seen

 

This is where in the problem lies
The software I have is free,I just had to buy the connector
The software may be pretty good if I was a lot smarter,but it really isn't very user friendly and in the 5 years I've had it I haven't had time to study it much.It is enhanced for ford,GM,Chrysler and some foreign stuff
All that said if I ever had real problems with my truck I would probly order an AE

 

AE is nice. The connector by itself will pull generic codes on pretty much all OBDII vehicles. The enhanced part allows you to pull the manufacturer specific codes and log all the data. I went with the domestic bundle and love it. Sure its more then just the ford package, but if you get the ford, then add chevy and chrysler later, its way more. I probably would've gone for the pro bundle if I had the cash at the time.